Inforespace - No 79

Magazine Overview

Title: inforespace
Issue: n° 79
Volume: 19th year
Date: November 1990
Publisher: SOBEPS
Country: Belgium
Language: French

This issue of "inforespace" magazine, published by SOBEPS, focuses on ufology and spatial phenomena, with a particular emphasis on recent sightings in Belgium. The cover prominently displays the magazine's title and a headline indicating its content.

Editorial

The editorial, written by President Michel BOUGARD, addresses the magazine's members, acknowledging their anticipation for news. BOUGARD notes that SOBEPS has collected approximately 1100 observation dossiers since the wave began in Eupen, with about a third of these having been investigated. He highlights the challenge of publishing these cases promptly due to the rigorous verification process SOBEPS employs, contrasting it with the rapid dissemination of information by foreign journals. The editorial also touches upon the demanding, yet voluntary, nature of the organization's work, which involves extensive correspondence, interviews, and administrative tasks, all while members maintain demanding professional lives.

SOBEPS has acquired a computer thanks to a sponsorship from the firm ZEUS, which aids in administrative tasks and magazine production. A laser printer was also purchased with member donations, enabling the entire review to be produced in-house. To improve information dissemination, SOBEPS is modifying its subscription model for the upcoming year (1991). The magazine "INFORESPACE" will be published three times a year (spring, end of summer, and end of year), replacing "SOBEPS-Flash." Several important dossiers are planned, including detailed accounts of the December 1989 events, the March 1990 Ramillies case involving F-16s and radar video analysis, and an analysis of a triangular object photograph.

Two membership options are proposed: "Cotisation de Membre d'Honneur" (Honorary Member Contribution) for a more significant financial contribution, which includes a membership card and a special 50-page press review dossier. The second option is "Cotisation ordinaire" (Ordinary Contribution).

BOUGARD also mentions future projects, including the potential publication of a book summarizing the 1989 wave, critically analyzing various hypotheses. Additionally, two public meetings are planned in Brussels and Liège for members to ask questions.

Article: RENCONTRE RAPPROCHEE DU PREMIER TYPE DANS LE HAINAUT

This article, authored by Léon BRENIG, details a close encounter experienced by M. and Mme Dupuis on November 22, 1989, near Forest, Hainaut. The witnesses observed a triangular object with three large headlights and a dome, emitting a red flame and a slight whistling sound. The object hovered silently at a low altitude (about five meters above the road) before moving away. The encounter lasted between five and six minutes. The article notes that this event had psychological consequences for the witnesses, with M. Dupuis suffering from sleep disturbances and his wife experiencing a nervous depression.

Article: UN MAJESTUEUX TRIANGLE A PROFONDEVILLE

Authored by Patrick FERRYN, this piece recounts an observation by Mme Bernadette Charlier and her eight-year-old daughter Alice in Profondeville, Namur, likely a day or two before the Eupen gendarmes' report. They witnessed a large, metallic triangular object with three white headlights and a central mandarin-colored light. The object moved silently and majestically, described as "hushed" and "watertight," with no turbulence or heat felt. The observation lasted about one minute and thirty seconds. Alice also reported seeing a similar triangular object earlier that morning.

Article: TRIANGLE ET PENTAGONE

This article, also by Patrick FERRYN, describes an observation by Mmes Robert and Moralès in Brussels on December 1, 1989. They saw a dark, triangular object hovering silently over the city. Mme Moralès described it as having a flat base, a central conical light, and three circular "hublots." Mme Robert's account differed slightly, mentioning more hublots and different light colors. The object remained stationary for about 45 seconds before accelerating rapidly towards the southwest.

Article: UN ETRANGE TRIANGLE AU-DESSUS DE BASECLES

Authored by Yves LETERME, this article details an observation on December 21, 1989, in Basècles, Hainaut. Five witnesses, including M. Michel Sauvages and M. Léopold-Edmond André, observed a large, quasi-triangular object that was initially immobile and then ascended obliquely towards the southeast. The object emitted a red-orange light and was described as having a shape like an inverted bucket or a clown's hat. The observation lasted between three and four minutes. The article notes the credibility of the witnesses and the lack of any conventional explanation.

Article: UN ETRANGE OBJET A PROXIMITE DE JÉHANSTER

This article, likely by Yves LETERME, describes an observation near Jehanster/Polleur on December 1989. M. F. and his family witnessed a large, luminous object, initially immobile and then moving obliquely. The object was described as having a triangular shape with lights on its sides. The observation was corroborated by other witnesses in the vicinity.

Article: NOUVELLES DIAPOSITIVES

This section announces the availability of two new series of slides (numbers 29 and 30), each containing 12 dias (including color documents) with detailed commentary, focusing on recent events in Belgium. The cost for both series is 750 FB or 140 FF.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, particularly those involving triangular craft, and the rigorous investigative approach of SOBEPS. The magazine emphasizes witness credibility, detailed descriptions of objects and their behavior, and the analysis of these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide accurate information and foster a critical understanding of UFOs, while acknowledging the challenges of voluntary work and the need for financial support. The magazine also highlights its commitment to keeping members informed about ongoing investigations and future publications.

This issue of the magazine, dated December 1989, features a prominent cover story titled 'DECEMBRE 1989: BALLET AERIEN PRES DE VERVIERS' (December 1989: Aerial Ballet Near Verviers). The cover also includes a stylized illustration of aerial phenomena.

Ballet Aerien Pres de Verviers

The main article details a sighting that occurred on Wednesday, December 27, 1989, at approximately 5:20 PM in Jehanster/Polleur, near Verviers, Belgium. The report is based on an investigation by Guy Bleser and Jacques Lenoir, who interviewed four witnesses: Mr. André F. (48, chemistry teacher), his wife Louise (47), and their two children, Béatrice (21) and Alain (14).

Alain first spotted a 'large star' moving slowly and approaching. Using binoculars, his mother observed an object that appeared to be 'reddish portholes' on a dark, elongated shape. As the object drew closer, its luminosity increased. The family then alerted Mr. F. and continued the observation outdoors.

As the luminosity decreased, they could distinguish a dark shape against the sky. Three large white lights, arranged in a triangle, were visible on the underside of the object, along with a smaller, blinking red light in the center. The white lights were less intense than the initial luminosity observed.

Simultaneously, a second, identical object was spotted further west, slightly behind the first, following the same trajectory at a few minutes' interval.

When the main object was directly overhead, the witnesses could better perceive its silhouette. Mr. F. described it as resembling a 'flying wing' with a rear extension, similar to a Boeing without the fuselage. The object moved slowly from south-southeast to north-northwest at an estimated altitude of 500 to 1,000 meters.

Suddenly, the object accelerated vertically at a tremendous speed, deviating slightly northwest, and disappeared from view within seconds. The second object followed suit shortly after. The entire observation lasted about five minutes, and no sound was heard.

Later that evening, around 5:50 PM, Mr. F. observed another similar object to the south-southwest, further away, moving east to west parallel to the horizon, appearing faster than the earlier ones. It seemed to fly over Theux before disappearing into the distance.

Around 10:00 PM, the entire F. family, including their elder son Michel and a friend, observed two very bright, seemingly immobile points of light to the south-southeast. Through binoculars, each point was found to consist of two lights, one red and one blue, whose intensity alternated. These lights, carried by two distinct objects, changed position and then moved slowly eastward.

The family was convinced they had witnessed something material. Their descriptions of the object's shape were consistent: a triangular form with the base forward, a flat underside with three large white lights in a triangle, and a smaller pulsating red light. Mrs. F. also recalled seeing 'reddish portholes' at the front. The apparent size, at an estimated altitude of 500-1000m, was compared to a full moon's diameter, suggesting a size equivalent to a medium-sized twin-engine jet, around thirty meters.

Mr. F. was deeply affected by the experience, comparing himself to a medieval peasant witnessing an 'autoroute'.

Le Shape Sous le Signe du Triangle

This section, authored by Jean DEBAL, details an observation on January 18, 1990, around 7:15 PM, near the intersection of roads N56 and N525, close to Chièvres, Belgium. Mme X., driving her son-in-law M. S.D. (41) home, pointed out an object in the sky.

M. S.D. initially thought it was a helicopter, common near the Chièvres air base and SHAPE. However, he soon realized it was something else. He described the object as having a triangular shape with rounded angles, approximately the size of the Grand'Place in Ath (estimated at 100 meters). Only the underside was visible from their vehicle. The underside appeared metallic grey, with a series of 'ribs' or 'joints'.

At each angle of the object, there was a dome-like structure, described as non-transparent or translucent, resembling a rugby ball cut lengthwise. Each dome emitted a pale yellow light. The object was moving at about 60 km/h and made no noise.

During the observation, a commercial airliner passed overhead at an estimated altitude of 1500-2000m, three times higher than the object. No interaction or reaction was noted between the two.

M. S.D. was left perplexed by the experience. The object was located about 1 kilometer from the SHAPE base. Base personnel reported nothing unusual, as their radar was not active after 5:30 PM.

The author highlights several points: the object's ability to remain stationary at a low altitude, defying gravity without any audible propulsion; its metallic grey underside with visible striations; and the three pale yellow lights from the domes.

Dans Les Librairies

This section reviews recent books related to UFO phenomena:

• "Ultra Top Secret - Ces ovnis qui font peur" by Jean Sider: A 400-page book divided into three parts: US UFO crashes in the 1950s, animal mutilations in North America, and analysis of rumors about secret government collaboration with extraterrestrials. Sider claims major UFO events have occurred in the US, with authorities hiding them, including the recovery of non-terrestrial craft and possibly occupants. He also suggests an official contact between authorities and ETs after a 1964 landing, leading to ETs being granted desert territories for genetic experiments.
• "Cat Magic" by Whitley Strieber: The author of "Communion" and "Transformation" has released a new novel. The review notes how his experiences with alleged 'abductions' influence his artistic creations, such as descriptions of fairies and gnomes.
• "Enquête sur les OVNI" by Jean-Pierre Petit: A 376-page book published by Albin Michel, with a preface by Jacques Benveniste. The book explores scientific frontiers and criticizes the closed-mindedness of the scientific community regarding UFOs.

L'Etrange "Dirigeable" de Perwez

This article, by Patrick FERRYN, details an observation by M. Gaston Jignot (51) in Perwez, Brabant, in early March 1990, around 8:15 PM. M. Jignot saw a luminous white, round object hovering silently above a farm, about 20 meters away. He initially described it as a 'lighthouse' but realized it was something else. The object then moved horizontally without noise.

As M. Jignot approached, he saw 'large blue-clear lights' underneath, about a meter in diameter, spaced two meters apart. These lights were described as surfaces without projection, emitting a matte light. He estimated the object's width to be about fifteen meters.

He then heard a low humming sound, compared to a fan, coming from the object. The object was directly above him, at a height of approximately 18 meters (twice the height of a nearby house). The total width was estimated at fifteen meters.

M. Jignot was stunned. He later described the object as resembling a 'dirigible' (airship), believing it to be a hoax involving a staged event by individuals to mystify the public. He insisted it was a 'real apparatus' due to the engine noise.

The witness had not previously shared his story until contacted by a technical school professor.

Mysteres Nuit du 22 au 23 Avril

This section, by Marc VALCKENAERS, reports on a series of UFO sightings occurring on the night of April 22-23, 1990, across Belgium, often referred to as the 'Belgian UFO wave'.

• Anderlecht (Brussels): Around 8:50 PM, Mme P. observed a flying object with four lights (two white, two red) approaching her building at high speed. The object, described as two superimposed discs, flew over the building and then moved west-southwest. She heard a slight noise.
• Brussels (Porte de Namur): Around 9:00 PM, another witness observed a perfectly triangular object with three white lights at the vertices and a red light in the center. It flew silently below the clouds, turning and disappearing behind buildings.
• La Hulpe (Brabant): Around 10:00 PM, M. A. and his friend observed a metallic grey, triangular object with vertical sides, flying under the clouds. It had three white lights in a triangle on its underside and a red light in the center. A superior light illuminated the clouds. The object flew slowly and silently, observed through binoculars and a telescope for nearly two minutes.
• Ellezelles (Hainaut Occidental): Around 9:10 PM, M. Ph.D. and other youths observed a very slow-flying, silent object just below the clouds. It had three white lights on its triangular base and a smaller red light. A beam of light was projected downwards, stopping before reaching the ground.

Mysteres d'une Nuit de Printemps

This section continues the report on the April 22-23, 1990, UFO wave.

• La Hulpe (continued): Later that night, around 11:00 PM, the witness from La Hulpe observed a similar object flying much higher in the same direction. The SOBEPS alerted the gendarmerie.
• Basècles (near Tournai): Between 11:45 PM and midnight, M. J.D. observed two powerful, large white lights moving towards the vertical of the 'Engrais Bataille' factory. These lights were on the underside of a large, dark, triangular platform that gradually covered the factory yard. The platform was described as trapezoidal, about 100m wide. The white lights were 3-4 meters in diameter, and below them were two horizontal orange lights, about 1.5 meters in diameter. The object appeared to be a 'reversed aircraft carrier' due to its immense size, estimated to be around 1000m based on duration and speed, though this is considered speculative. The witness and his colleague, M. H.K., observed the object for 1.5 to 2 minutes.
• Ghlin (near Baudour): Around 1:55 AM, M. S.S. observed an object that initially appeared as a bright point, rapidly growing. It revealed three white lights of constant intensity, with occasional irregular flashes. His brother saw a small red spot in the center. The object emitted a long-range white beam from its base and was estimated to be flying at 1000-2000m altitude at high speed, disappearing towards Maisières and SHAPE.

The article notes that while not all events may be correlated, the sequence from Beloeil to Ghlin suggests the trajectory of a single object. The numerous, independent witnesses described unusual craft behavior and lights, consistent with the 'Belgian UFO wave' profile. The author speculates that these objects are particularly interested in well-lit industrial sites at night.

Mises au Point (Clarifications)

This section addresses a potential misunderstanding regarding the organization EURUFON. It clarifies that EURUFON is not a split from SOBEPS but rather a departure by two of its former animators, MM. Roszenzwag and Vidal, who disagreed with SOBEPS's objectives. The article reaffirms that SOBEPS's archives are accessible to researchers and that their collaboration with the Air Force does not imply secrecy. It emphasizes a critical approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine sightings and misidentifications, while remaining open to the extraterrestrial hypothesis when other explanations are ruled out.

Un Incroyable "Dirigeable" de Perwez

This article, by Patrick FERRYN, revisits the Perwez sighting by M. Gaston Jignot, originally reported in the previous section. It provides further details and context, including a sketch by Mme H. of a structure observed near Ellezelles. The Perwez sighting is described as an 'incredible dirigible' due to its silent, low-altitude flight and unusual lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, emphasizing witness testimonies and detailed descriptions of aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial origins while maintaining a critical approach to evidence and avoiding sensationalism. There is a focus on documenting sightings across Belgium, particularly during the 'Belgian UFO wave' of 1990, and exploring potential connections between these events and military installations. The publication also reviews relevant books and clarifies organizational matters within the UFO research community.

This issue of 'Planète' (Issue 30, October 1990) focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly a significant sighting in Belgium and the ongoing scientific investigation into these events. The magazine, published by SOBEPS, features detailed witness accounts, radar data analysis, and commentary on media coverage.

Un Incroyable Défilé: The Hainaut Sighting

The lead article, 'UN INCROYABLE DÉFILÉ' (An Incredible Procession), recounts a remarkable event that occurred on May 2, 1990, in the Hainaut region of Belgium, near Ellezelles. Four witnesses, M. and Mme H... and their friends M. and Mme L..., observed a triangular object with distinct red and white lights. The object, estimated to be 20-30 meters in wingspan, appeared to have a 'three-tiered structure' due to the arrangement of its lights. It moved slowly, at approximately 40 km/h, with a faint, muffled sound. After disappearing from view, it reappeared, followed by a procession of similar objects. The witnesses counted thirteen objects in the first sighting and later observed about twenty more. The objects moved at varying altitudes and in a somewhat undulating manner. Notably, the horses of M. H... showed no reaction to the phenomenon.

Research into Radar Data

Another significant section, 'L'ÉTAT DES RECHERCHES SUR LES DONNÉES DES RADARS' (The State of Research on Radar Data), details the extensive efforts to analyze radar observations related to UFOs. The author, who participated in SOBEPS investigations, highlights the importance of examining radar data, both military and civilian, to understand the UFO phenomenon. The article mentions the examination of radar data from F-16 aircraft during a night in March 1990 and the ongoing analysis of radar recordings from Zaventem airport. The author expresses gratitude to various military and civilian personnel for their cooperation, including Lt. Col. De Brouwer and Lt. Col. Billen. The research involved analyzing over 180 hours of radar data from Bertem and Semmerzake, revealing 'angels who fly' – non-correlated radar echoes that appear sporadically and move in straight lines at low speeds, identified as an atmospheric phenomenon. The investigation also sought to find reliable traces associated with UFO sightings, noting that many observed UFOs were plate-form shaped and moved at low altitudes, making them difficult to detect by ground radar.

Media Coverage and Public Perception

The issue critically examines the media's coverage of UFO events in Belgium. While acknowledging the objective reporting of some scientific programs on RTBF and TF1, the magazine criticizes publications like 'Science & Vie' for what it deems sensationalist and biased reporting, particularly their attempts to dismiss witness accounts as 'poetry' or 'optical illusions' and their promotion of the F-117A stealth aircraft as an explanation for UFO sightings. The article argues that such media approaches hinder objective research and discourage witnesses from coming forward.

Witness Reactions and Socio-Psychological Hypotheses

'Les réactions des témoins' (Witness Reactions) explores the diverse responses of individuals who have observed UFOs. The author notes that while many witnesses provide factual accounts and express perplexity, there is a growing sentiment of frustration among those who feel they are not taken seriously. The article discusses and largely refutes socio-psychological explanations for UFO sightings, arguing that they do not align with the detailed accounts of many witnesses who initially sought conventional explanations but were compelled to reject them based on their observations. The issue also touches upon the psychological impact of these encounters, with some witnesses expressing anxiety about 'intruders' or the potential vulnerability of humanity.

Specific Cases and Investigations

Beyond the main Hainaut sighting, the issue mentions other cases, including an observation of a large, diamond-shaped object near Eupen on December 1, 1989. The article details the meticulous process of data collection and analysis, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and patience. The author highlights the importance of collaboration between civilian researchers and military personnel, noting the progress made in understanding the phenomenon through such partnerships.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the scientific methodology applied to investigate them (particularly through radar data analysis), the critical assessment of media coverage, and the psychological and social aspects of witness experiences. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a serious, objective, and scientific approach to the UFO phenomenon, challenging conventional explanations and media skepticism, and emphasizing the importance of credible witness testimony and rigorous data analysis. The magazine positions itself as a proponent of open-minded yet critical inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of OVNI magazine, dated July-August 1990, focuses on several detailed witness accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) or unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) primarily from late 1989 and early 1990, with a particular emphasis on observations in Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. The magazine presents a mix of detailed descriptions, witness testimonies, and investigative analysis, touching upon potential conventional explanations while advocating for serious consideration of unexplained cases.

Detailed Sightings and Investigations

The Case of M. J. (Belgium)

The issue features extensive accounts from a witness identified as M. J., who reported observing a large, silent, diamond-shaped object on two separate occasions near Herbesthal, Belgium. The first sighting, on December 1, 1989, described an object with a large diagonal measuring at least 35 meters. It was illuminated by white lights that alternated and a central, inverted orange dome with green luminosity at its apex. Red lamps on the dome pulsed sequentially, creating a 'running' effect. The object emitted no sound and moved slowly. M. J. noted the impressive power of the lights, which illuminated the ground with a white glow.

On January 10, 1990, M. J. observed a similar object, which he described as the 'same model.' This time, the diamond shape was seen laterally, appearing to have a constant height. The object was estimated to be about 500 meters away. The lights seemed less intense, possibly due to the ambient light from the nearby autoroute. M. J. expressed regret at not having a camera, fearing that a photograph would not capture the details due to the object's dark color and the brightness of its lights.

The O. Observation (Aix-la-Chapelle, Germany)

On December 5 or 12, 1989, around 9:50 PM, M. and Mme O. were driving in Aix-la-Chapelle when they saw an object cutting across their path. The object had two front headlights emitting white, intense beams and an orange light underneath that blinked like an ambulance's. It moved uniformly and then made a sharp, curved turn, effectively reversing direction. The object then reappeared, passing overhead and disappearing behind buildings. Mme O. noted the absence of any rear lights or typical aircraft navigation lights, only the orange blinking light. The object's movement was silent, despite its apparent proximity.

Later that same night, around 11:15 PM, M. O. saw the same object again when he went outside. It was flying lower and silently, similar to a helicopter but without sound. Mme O. emphasized the lack of noise, which was unusual given the conditions.

The Wengere Observation (Switzerland)

On October 14, 1990, Mme Wengere and her husband were driving near Olten, Switzerland, when they observed two bright, white, round lights in the sky above a mountain range. The lights were stationary and appeared to be part of two large, luminous discs. Mme Wengere initially thought they might be newly installed lights on the mountain. However, the clear sky revealed no structures supporting them, leading her to believe they were objects. The lights were significantly brighter than the stars. An airplane approached, and Mme Wengere expected a reaction from the UFO, but the objects remained still. The objects then moved, and the Wengeres lost sight of them.

Later, the lights reappeared, positioned differently. The two main lights were connected by chains of smaller lights, forming a crown-like structure. The arrangement evolved, with the lights changing intensity and color, and the overall shape appearing to transform. The phenomenon was observed for several minutes before disappearing definitively behind houses.

Other Reports and Analysis

The magazine also briefly mentions other sightings, including a case in Coblence involving a triangular object and reports of multiple UFO sightings in Belgium during October 1990. The issue touches upon the possibility of misidentifications, such as the AWACS aircraft operations near Gosselies, and the atmospheric re-entry of a Soviet rocket stage (SL-12 Proton) which was initially mistaken for a widespread UFO phenomenon.

Auguste Meessen, Professor of Physics at the Catholic University of Louvain, contributes a piece discussing the phenomenon of 'flying angels' and their connection to atmospheric physics and radar studies, suggesting that serious examination of unexplained phenomena is warranted.

Michel Bougard, an investigator, provides commentary on the Wengere case and the Coblence sighting, emphasizing the need for careful investigation and noting the consistency of witness accounts. He also addresses the skepticism often encountered when reporting such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed descriptions of aerial objects, the consistency of witness testimonies across different locations, and the ongoing debate between conventional explanations and the possibility of unknown phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, rational approach to UFO investigation, encouraging the examination of unexplained cases and correlating them with other similar events globally, rather than dismissing them outright as optical illusions or misidentifications. The magazine highlights the importance of treating UFO reports with credibility, especially when multiple witnesses and consistent details are involved.